Author: Into Droid

The Moto G5S Plus was a part of Motorola’s G series, which has been known for offering solid specifications at an affordable price point. Launched in 2017, the G5S Plus was an enhanced version of the Moto G5 Plus, bringing in certain improvements and features. Here’s an in-depth review of the Moto G5S Plus:

Overview:

The Moto G5 Plus continued Motorola’s tradition of offering solid specifications and a near-stock Android experience at an affordable price. With a metal design and a focus on camera improvements, it sought to be the best value proposition in the mid-range segment.

Features:

1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 7.0 (Nougat) and later received updates.
2. Display: 5.2-inch Full HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 625.
4. Memory: Options of 2/3/4 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
5. Camera: 12 MP rear sensor with an f/1.7 aperture, dual-pixel autofocus, and 4K video recording. The front camera is a 5 MP shooter.
6. Battery: A 3000 mAh non-removable battery with TurboPower fast charging.
7. Other Features: Front-mounted fingerprint sensor, 3.5mm headphone jack, and NFC (in some regions).

Pros:

1. Performance: The Snapdragon 625, combined with near-stock Android, provided a smooth and consistent user experience.
2. Camera: The f/1.7 aperture and dual-pixel autofocus made the camera one of the best in its price range, especially in good lighting conditions.
3. Build Quality: The transition to a metal design gave the phone a more premium feel compared to its predecessors.
4. Battery Life: The combination of a power-efficient processor and a 3000 mAh battery resulted in commendable battery life.
5. Software Experience: Motorola’s approach to software, with minimal bloat and useful additions like Moto Actions, was widely appreciated.

Cons:

1. No NFC in Some Regions: The absence of NFC in certain regions was a drawback for users who relied on contactless payments.
2. Speaker Quality: The front-facing speaker, while loud, wasn’t the best in terms of audio quality.
3. Design: While the metal design was a step up, the phone still had noticeable bezels, which started to look a bit dated as the industry trended towards more edge-to-edge displays.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Moto G5 Plus faced competition from:

• Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro: Offering a 5.5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7870, and a metal unibody design.
• Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: With its 5.5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 625, and a metal design.
• Huawei Honor 6X: Featuring a 5.5-inch Full HD display, Kirin 655, and a dual-camera setup.

Launch Date:

The Moto G5 Plus was announced in February 2017 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Screen Burn-In: Some users reported temporary screen burn-in or image retention, especially with the navigation buttons.
2. Microphone Issues: There were occasional reports of the microphone not working during calls.
3. Camera Lag: Some users experienced a slight lag in the camera app, especially when using HDR.

Conclusion:

The Moto G5 Plus was a testament to Motorola’s commitment to offering solid performance and a good user experience at a budget-friendly price. It was especially praised for its camera and software experience. For users looking for a reliable mid-range device without breaking the bank, the G5 Plus was a strong contender. Its success further solidified the Moto G series’ reputation as one of the best value-for-money smartphone lines in the market.

The LG G6 was a pivotal smartphone for LG, marking a departure from the modular design of its predecessor, the LG G5. Launched in early 2017, the LG G6 was LG’s flagship offering, aiming to compete with the best in the market. Here’s an in-depth review of the LG G6:

Overview:

The LG G6 was designed for users seeking a premium smartphone experience with a focus on design, display, and camera capabilities. With its new design language, the G6 aimed to rectify the criticisms faced by the G5 and position itself as a top-tier smartphone.

Features:

1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 7.0 (Nougat) and later received updates.
2. Display: 5.7-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1440 x 2880 pixels, adopting an 18:9 aspect ratio which was relatively new at the time.
3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 821.
4. Memory: Options of 4 GB RAM with 32/64/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
5. Camera: Dual 13 MP rear sensors, with one being a standard lens and the other a wide-angle lens. The front camera is a 5 MP shooter.
6. Battery: A 3300 mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 3.0.
7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C, NFC, IP68 water and dust resistance, and a Quad DAC for enhanced audio (in select regions).

Pros:

1. Design: The G6 featured a glass and metal design, giving it a premium look and feel.
2. Display: The 18:9 aspect ratio provided more screen real estate, making multitasking and media consumption more enjoyable.
3. Camera: The dual-camera setup, especially the wide-angle lens, was appreciated by many for its versatility.
4. Water and Dust Resistance: IP68 certification was a welcome addition.

Cons:

1. Processor: While the Snapdragon 821 was a capable chipset, it was not the latest available at the time of the G6’s launch, with competitors opting for the Snapdragon 835.
2. Software: LG’s UI was not to everyone’s liking, with some finding it bloated.
3. Battery Life: While decent, the battery life wasn’t standout, especially when compared to some competitors.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the LG G6 faced competition from:

• Samsung Galaxy S8: Offering a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED Infinity Display, Snapdragon 835/Exynos 8895, and a sleek design.
• Sony Xperia XZ Premium: With its 5.46-inch 4K HDR display, Snapdragon 835, and a camera capable of 960 fps super slow-motion video.
• OnePlus 3T: Featuring a 5.5-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 821, and a focus on performance and software experience.

Launch Date:

The LG G6 was announced in February 2017 and became available in various markets in March 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Front Camera: The 5 MP front camera was considered mediocre by some, especially in low-light conditions.
2. Software Updates: LG was not the fastest when it came to providing software updates.
3. Pricing: The initial pricing of the G6 was considered high by some, especially given the older Snapdragon 821 chipset.

Conclusion:

The LG G6 was a significant step forward for LG, especially in terms of design and functionality. It addressed many of the criticisms of the G5 and offered a well-rounded smartphone experience. The display and camera were standout features, and the overall package was compelling. However, the choice of an older processor and the initial pricing strategy meant that it faced stiff competition in the market. For users who valued the wide-angle camera and the unique 18:9 display, the G6 was a solid choice. However, those looking for the absolute latest in terms of processing power might have considered other options available in the market at the time.

Overview:

The Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) is part of Samsung’s A-series lineup, which is known for offering solid features at a more affordable price point than the flagship S-series. The 2017 iteration of the A3 brought several improvements over its predecessor, blending a modern design with decent specifications.

Features:

1. Operating System: Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo).
2. Display: 4.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels.
3. Processor: Exynos 7870 Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53.
4. Memory: 2 GB RAM with 16 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB.
5. Camera: 13 MP rear camera with f/1.9 aperture and an 8 MP front-facing camera.
6. Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, USB Type-C.
7. Battery: Non-removable Li-Ion 2350 mAh battery.
8. Other Features: IP68 dust/waterproof, fingerprint sensor, Always-on display.

Pros:

1. Compact Design: The 4.7-inch display made it one of the more compact smartphones available, appealing to those who prefer smaller devices.
2. Water and Dust Resistance: IP68 certification meant it could withstand splashes and brief submersion in water.
3. Super AMOLED Display: Offered vibrant colors and deep blacks.
4. Decent Camera Performance: Especially in well-lit conditions.
5. USB Type-C: Modern connector for faster data transfer and charging.

Cons:

1. Limited RAM: 2 GB of RAM might cause occasional slowdowns during multitasking.
2. Battery Life: While adequate for light use, heavy users might find the 2350 mAh battery lacking.
3. Outdated OS: Launched with Android Marshmallow, and while it received updates, it didn’t get many of the latest Android versions.
4. Limited Internal Storage: 16 GB storage could fill up quickly, necessitating the use of a microSD card.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price range, the Galaxy A3 (2017) competed with phones like the Moto G5 and the Huawei P8 Lite (2017). While the Moto G5 had a removable battery and a slightly larger display, the A3 (2017) boasted water and dust resistance. The Huawei P8 Lite (2017) had more RAM and a larger battery but lacked the IP68 certification of the A3.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) was launched in January 2017.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Software Updates: While it did receive some updates, it was left behind relatively quickly in terms of the latest Android versions.
2. Speaker Placement: The speaker was placed on the side, which some users found odd and easy to cover accidentally.
3. Occasional Performance Hiccups: Especially when running multiple apps or heavy tasks due to limited RAM.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) was a solid mid-range offering from Samsung, blending a compact design with some features commonly found in higher-end devices, like IP68 certification. While it had its limitations, it was a good option for those who wanted a smaller, reliable phone without breaking the bank. However, as with all tech, it’s essential to consider its age when comparing it to more recent devices.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 was one of the standout devices in Xiaomi’s lineup when it was released in 2017. It quickly became a favorite among budget-conscious consumers due to its impressive specifications and affordable price. Here’s an in-depth review of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4:

Overview:

The Redmi Note 4 followed the success of its predecessor, the Redmi Note 3, and aimed to offer even more value for its price. With a metal body, efficient processor, and a large battery, it was positioned as a mid-range powerhouse.

Features:

1. Operating System: Initially shipped with MIUI 8 based on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), later received updates.
2. Display: 5.5-inch Full HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 (in the global version) and MediaTek Helio X20 (in the Chinese version).
4. Memory: Options of 2/3/4 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
5. Camera: 13 MP rear sensor with an f/2.0 aperture, phase detection autofocus, and dual-LED flash. The front camera is a 5 MP shooter.
6. Battery: A substantial 4100 mAh non-removable battery.
7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, infrared port, and dual SIM support.

Pros:

1. Battery Life: The combination of the Snapdragon 625’s efficiency and the large 4100 mAh battery resulted in excellent battery life.
2. Performance: The Snapdragon 625, while not a flagship chipset, offered smooth performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
3. Build Quality: The metal unibody design gave the phone a premium feel, which was impressive given its price point.
4. Price: The device offered a lot of value for its price, making it a favorite among budget-conscious consumers.

Cons:

1. Camera Performance: While adequate for its price, the camera struggled in low-light conditions.
2. MIUI Bloat: While MIUI offered many features, it also came with a fair amount of bloatware and ads in certain regions.
3. Lack of Quick Charge: Despite having a large battery, the device did not support Qualcomm’s Quick Charge technology.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Redmi Note 4 faced competition from:

• Moto G5 Plus: Offering a 5.2-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 625, and a metal design.
• Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime: With its 5.5-inch Full HD display, Exynos 7870, and a metal unibody design.
• Nokia 6: Featuring a 5.5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 430, and an aluminum unibody design.

Launch Date:

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 was announced in August 2016 for the Chinese market (with the MediaTek processor) and in January 2017 for the global market (with the Snapdragon processor).

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Screen Ghosting: Some users reported temporary screen burn-in or ghosting, especially after prolonged static display.
2. MIUI Updates: While the device did receive MIUI updates, the underlying Android version remained outdated for many users.
3. Micro-USB Port: At a time when many devices were moving to USB-C, the Redmi Note 4 still used the older Micro-USB port.

Conclusion:

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 was a testament to Xiaomi’s ability to offer high-value devices at affordable prices. Its combination of solid build quality, good performance, and impressive battery life made it a favorite in the mid-range segment. While it had its shortcomings, especially in the camera department, the overall package was hard to beat for the price, making it one of the best-selling devices in its category.